The county council is asking the Ontario government to withdraw changes to the minimum wage until a comprehensive economic impact analysis is completed.
The Ontario government announced the change to the minimum wage last month. It says the minimum wage will increase to $14 on January 1st, 2018 with an increase to $15 on January 1st of the year after.
The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Council passed a resolution asking that the changes be withdrawn so that the provincial government can provide residents and and small business owners in Ontario with an impact analysis, including mitigation measures to help businesses transition.
Warden Robin Jones says they “need to know if the Premier has a plan to help small businesses”. Jones put forth the motion and says many small businesses may not be able to meet the changes.